I have a TMJ disorder. So what is it in layman’s term? A jaw joint disorder. A bite problem.

I’ve had this clicking sound in my jaw for a while and I thought it was just normal and cute! 😛 Not until it came to a point when I can only half-yawn in the morning, take small bites in my sandwich and going to the dentist for a prophylaxis scares me! It really hurts as if I will never ever close my mouth again!

I was initially advised to massage my jaw every morning but still I should consult a TMJ specialist ASAP because there is a possibility that my jaw will lock and the worst…to correct it is to undergo an operation. Other dentists say that this disorder may lead or is connected to other health problems that I may already have or soon to have.

They say that these are the most common symptoms:

Headaches

Facial Pain

Limited opening of the jaw

Dizziness

Jaw clicking, popping or grating

Difficulty closing teeth together

Jaw goes to one side when opening

Ear pain. ringing or stuffiness

Neck pain

Blurred vision or pain behind eyes

I can no longer identify where my headache is coming from because I also have a big problem with my nose (I will give my nose another time to shine!) But I sure have the limited opening of the jaw, jaw clicking and the rest I may have experienced but did not really pay attention to them.

So I should wear a splint to correct my bite. For 2 months or more! This is not my splint but it sure looks the same. It is like an acrylic cover for my lower teeth. Sacrifice!

It is not really cool to have a foreign object in your mouth! And plus the fact that I can’t flawlessly do what I love to do….eating! (what were you thinking?!)